Inflatable Metal Mesh Barrier for Rail Vehicle Pedestrian Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rail vehicle protection systems are inadequate in preventing pedestrians from being pulled under or run over, particularly in low-floor vehicles with limited ground clearance, as they either fail to provide sufficient repulsion or suffer from structural damage under load, and airbag solutions lack reversibility and shape retention.
Innovation Solution
A rail vehicle device featuring an inflatable, metallic structure with a mesh wire design, triggered by a sensor system, which inflates to fill the gap between the vehicle and the track, providing a dimensionally stable barrier to prevent pedestrians from being pulled under or run over, and remains adaptable to changing ground conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional mechanical protection structures are used, then they can provide initial obstacle deflection, but they suffer from sharp-edged deformations or breaks when unable to support the load
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to flexible metal mesh, allowing the structure to deform elastically under load without breaking. The mesh structure can stretch and conform to the obstacle while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between strength and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible metal mesh structure that can deform and adapt to obstacles without sharp-edged breaks. The flexible nature of the mesh allows it to absorb impact forces while maintaining continuous structural integrity, preventing the sharp-edged deformations that occur with rigid structures.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If airbag protection systems are used, then they can provide cushioning protection, but they lack reversibility and shape retention after inflation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material state from gas-filled airbag to solid metal mesh structure. The metal mesh maintains its shape and structural stability after deployment while still providing cushioning protection, eliminating the shape retention problems of airbags while keeping the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining metal wires woven into a mesh pattern, creating a material that possesses both flexibility for cushioning and structural stability for shape retention. This composite metal mesh structure overcomes the limitations of single-material solutions like airbags.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the gap between vehicle substructure and track is reduced to prevent pedestrians from being pulled under, then pedestrian protection improves, but ground clearance requirements for vertical radii driving cannot be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic protection structure that can change its configuration based on operating conditions. The metal mesh structure can be positioned to close the gap when needed for pedestrian protection while allowing the vehicle to maintain necessary ground clearance for vertical radius driving, providing adaptability to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the protection system into segmented metal mesh elements that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the system to provide gap closure for pedestrian protection in normal operation while permitting greater ground clearance when required for navigating vertical radii, thus adapting to different driving conditions.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively prevents pedestrians from being pulled under or run over by maintaining a stable, flexible barrier that remains dimensionally consistent post-inflation, reducing the risk of injury and adapting to varying ground clearances, suitable for all rail vehicle types.
Implementation Method 1
at least one structure (7) which can be inflated by means of a gas medium (6)
Implementation Method 2
The mesh wire structure (12) is able to be formed in one or more layers... remains dimensionally stable over the time period in which a vehicle can be brought to a standstill
Data Source
Figure 1a~4c
Figure 5a~5c
Figure 6a~6c
AI summary
A rail vehicle (1) having a device for pedestrian protection in the event of a collision with the front of the vehicle, said device (4) being provided on the underside of the rail vehicle front, the device (4) consisting of at least one structure (7) which can be inflated by means of a gaseous medium (6) in order to remain dimensionally stable during the time it takes to bring the vehicle to a standstill.